WASHINGTON (AP):

In a nostalgic final news conference, president George W. Bush defended his record vigorously, and at times sentimentally, yesterday.

He also admitted many mistakes, from the 'Mission Accomplished' banner during a 2003 Iraq speech, to the discovery that the alleged Iraqi weapons of mass destruction that he used to justify war, did not exist.

After starting what he called "the ultimate exit interview" with a lengthy and personalised thank-you to the reporters in the room who covered him over the eight years of his presidency, Bush showed anger at times when presented with some of the main criticisms of his time in office.

Indignant

He became particularly indig-nant when asked about America's bruised image overseas.

"I disagree with this assessment that, you know, that people view America in a dim light," he said.

Bush said he realised that some issues, such as the prison for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have created contro-versy at home and around the world. But he defended his actions after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, including approving tough interrogation methods for suspected terrorists and information-gathering efforts at home in the name of protecting the country.

With the Iraq war in its sixth year, he most aggressively defended his decisions on that issue, which will define his presidency like no other. There have been over 4,000 U.S. deaths since the invasion and toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003.